Evidence-based quality improvement strategies to reduce 30-day readmission rates in heart failure patients

Heart failure (HF) remains one of the leading causes of 30-day hospital readmissions, presenting a major challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. This comprehensive review synthesizes recent evidence on effective strategies to reduce readmission rates through patient education, self-care interventions, and systemic reforms. Structured education-particularly when reinforced postdischarge through methods like teach-back, tele-coaching, and home visits-has consistently demonstrated improved self-management, symptom recognition, and quality of life. Tools that address health literacy, such as visual aids and simplified materials, further enhance patient understanding and engagement. At the same time, social determinants of health, including food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation barriers, have emerged as powerful predictors of readmission. Evidence supports integrating community health workers, tailored discharge planning, and resource linkage into HF care pathways to mitigate these risks. Health system strategies-such as the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, electronic health record decision support tools, and national quality collaboratives-have improved outcomes, although challenges in real-world implementation persist. Future directions call for pragmatic trials, equity-focused care models, and adaptable interventions rooted in the realities of diverse healthcare environments. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of multidimensional, patient-centered, and system-integrated approaches to sustainably reduce HF readmissions.